Going away to college is a huge transition, and moving into a dorm can be very stressful for incoming freshmen. Trying to remember whether or not you’ve packed everything you’ll need for your new dorm can be a bit daunting. Typically, a dorm room will consist of a bed, a desk, a tiny closet, and maybe a mini fridge; which is why making sure to pack everything else you’ll need is so necessary (because honestly, it doesn’t come with much). In order to relieve some of your stress, I’ve compiled a list of 20 things to pack that’ll make going to college so much easier.
Most dorms will likely only have a couple of outlets, which really makes it difficult when you and your roommate are both in the process of blow drying your hair, while microwaving your dinner and charging your phones. A power strip really comes in handy, especially when multitasking.
These may not be the most fashionable pair of shoes in your wardrobe, but they are a necessity. Whether you’re sharing your shower with your roommates, or the entire floor; the last thing you want during your first year of college is a gross fungal infection.
While you and your roomie are getting ready for a fun night out, start the night off by playing some of your favorite music to get amped up! Wireless and Bluetooth speakers are great because you don’t have to deal with the annoyance of all the cords or waiting until your phone is charged to use the speaker.
In all honesty, dorm beds are not the most comfortable beds in the world. Take it from me, I’ve been there. Spend the extra money to get a better night’s sleep, and I guarantee you won’t regret it.
For all of your handyman needs; avoid calling maintenance every time a screw comes loose. Whether you’re hanging pictures, installing a new shower head, or assembling your dresser, you’re definitely going to want your own little tool kit.
Every dorm room needs a full length mirror. How can you get dressed without being able to see how your shoes look with your outfit? Maybe ask your roommate if she’d want to split it with you, that way you can save some money, and just put it somewhere in the middle for you both to use!
Keep all of your bathroom essentials in one place; preventing the loss of any razors, tooth brushes, or shower gel. Having something with a handle to carry all of your things to and from the bathroom is a lot easier than attempting to balance everything in your arms.
Whether it’s an overnight study session or the biggest frat party of the year, you’re going to want to get all the sleep you can get that next day. Blackout curtains, when closed, block all sunlight from shining through, allowing you to sleep all day long when needed. And on your productive days, just open the curtains for all the light you need!
Typically dorm rooms are pretty tiny, which is why you need to make the most of the limited space you have. Opting for a collapsible chair is a great option for when your friends come over, and you’d prefer everyone not sit on your bed. When not in use, just fold up the chair and stick it under the bed!
If you’re anything like me, keeping track of jewelry can be such a hassle. Rather than keeping it all in a bag, and losing half of it; why not keep it on display? Not only does it keep you from losing all your jewelry, it also functions as somewhat of a table decoration to brighten up your dorm room.
To save you time on those busy days when you don’t even have a second to spare; a clear makeup organizer lets you see where all of your makeup essentials are, allowing for quick and easy access, and no mess!
Trying to keep track of all your assignments, tests, and social events can get overwhelming. Writing everything down on a calendar will keep you organized, ensuring you’ll never miss a beat!
Being away from home for the first time is a little strange, and you may get a little homesick from time to time. Make going to college a little easier with a photo display to hang all of your pictures, reminding you of all of your friends and family back at home.
This one pertains to those of you with higher beds. Most of the time, dorm beds can be raised for storage purposes, which is great because it gives you more space, but it comes with the annoyance of having to climb up onto your bed. Keep a step ladder at the foot of the bed for a much easier route!
If you opt to get a TV for your dorm, you can still get the luxury of using your Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon accounts without having to buy a Smart TV. An HDMI cord connects your laptop to your TV in order to stream whatever is on your screen onto your television, which is a much cheaper alternative!
You just finished your research paper, and you need to be in class in 10 minutes to hand it in to your professor. Rather than sprinting to the library, or calling that one friend who has a printer, it’s much more convenient to have one of your own. You don’t need anything fancy, just a basic black and white printer will do the job, especially when the clock is ticking!
Not everyone will need this, but trust me, you’ll know whether or not to buy one after your first shower. A lot of times, dorms will have really low water pressure, which can turn showering into a 30 minute ordeal. To save some time, if you have your own bathroom, it is actually really easy to switch out the shower head and get much better water pressure!
In my opinion, this is actually an essential. Being on your own means keeping yourself safe and being able to defend yourself if ever in a dangerous situation. Try never to walk alone, especially at night, but if you are in a position to do so, it’s better to be safe than sorry! This pepper spray clips right onto your keys, which you will most likely be carrying anyway, so it’s no bother to bring it along with you!
Most dorm rooms don’t have too much storage or space to begin with, so buying some plastic drawers is the way to go! Make sure to buy the right size to fit under your bed to store anything from clothes to food to school supplies! This will definitely help to keep your room clean and less cluttered.
Laundry day is the WORST. Make it a little bit easier for yourself by opting for a laundry basket with wheels. With this, you can save yourself the effort of having to carry your 10 pounds of laundry down the hall, and simply roll it down instead!
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